The Wiccan Church of Canada has offered open Wiccan temples facilitating classes, rituals, and training to the public since 1979. Drawing on resources available in our own communities and temples, we are a diverse, accepting, caring group of people united by our love of the Gods and our own journeys. W.C.C. classes and rituals are open to one and all, regardless of one's level of experience in the Craft. We offer an open, and accepting place to worship as an experienced practitioner or someone who's vaguely curious, all are welcome. We encourage you to check out the F.A.Q section on our website or contact us if you have questions. We hope our publication will reflect the diversity of our membership in offering a local pagan magazine written by the community for the community. Our articles are the voices of our community, those with knowledge and resources to share. Herbs and seasonal recipes we've tried and keep bringing back to our feast tables.We'll keep you abreast of pagan events, vendors and local artisans, as well as WCC classes & rituals.
The WCC is pleased to offer free online weekly classes Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00 pm As well as a social Meet & Greet every Wednesday night via the ZOOM conferencing app. If you wish to participate, please email LPH.WCC@gmail.com with your email address.
The Wiccan Church of Canada
Wheel of the Year
Devotion in motion. Imbolc dreamed it. Ostara planted it. Beltane set it alight. Now it is simply moving onward and your task is less to push and more to stay present. The Wheel of the Year does not stop at the spokes. Between Beltane's ignition and Litha's lushness lies roughly six weeks that the calendar tends to overlook … we have no great feast, no dramatic turning. Just longer, lovely days quietly flowing into fullness. This is not empty time. This is tending time. If Beltane asked you to say yes to life, to change, to new possibility; then this part asks a quieter question: can you sustain it? Everyday. A yes. Not with drumbeats and fire, but with ordinary faithfulness. Watering the plant. Showing up to the creative work. Keeping the shrine lamp lit on a Tuesday evening when no one is watching and nothing feels particularly sacred. Devotion, it turns out, lives mostly here. The sustained yes is first a physical practice, because change and growth are physical realities. The body knows things the mind forgets. Create a practice: Choose one living thing to tend consciously between now and Litha. A desk plant. A creative project. A relationship. A daily prayer. Something small enough to be realistic, alive enough to respond to your attention. Walk the same route daily between now and Litha, slowly, noticing what changes each time. Not a power walk but a tending walk. You are witnessing the world's growth as a devotional act. Tend something with your hands every day. Soil, dough, fiber, wood … something that responds to physical attention over time. The hands teach devotion in ways the mind cannot. Each day, give it five deliberate minutes. Not inspired, not elaborate … just be present. Notice what changes. Notice what you are asked to learn about patience, about growth that moves at its own pace regardless of your feelings about it. At Litha, look back at what those six weeks of faithful tending made possible. In this passage of the Wheel it might be one of the most honest mirrors the year holds up. Beltane is easy to feel. Litha is easy to celebrate. But this in-between asks: who are you when the fire has settled and the peak hasn't arrived? Do you keep faith in the ordinary days? That fidelity between the spokes, quiet, unglamorous, but still sustained might be the deepest devotional act the Wheel asks of us. This is how we bloom where we’ve planted.
There is a book that haunts me, and I inherited it from my aunt.The book?Norman Mailer’s – Ancient Evenings.My aunt could for the life of her, never get past page 67, as she considered it rather dry: and I’ve never gotten past page 70.What does that have to do with anything?Well, it’s to point out that despite a book being well researched and fictionalized, some books are tough to get through. No matter how hard you try. For me, my tome will be Pagan Portals – Modron: Meeting the Celtic Mother Goddess by Kelle BanDea. ISBN: 978-1-80341-718-9, published by Moon Books in 2023, 89 pages and costs $16.95 plus tax at Chapters/Indigo Books. I’ve read it 3 times and each time I pick up something else that I missed the first time.Now Celtic Mythology isn’t my strong point, but I do love a lot of the stories surrounding the various Gods and Goddesses. Since we are still close to Earth Day, why not review a book on a Mother Deity? The book is divided into two sections, the first part offering insight as to who Modron was and her stories weave in and out of various regions.Known as the Goddess of Rivers and Sacred Wells; she is also known as Matrona, The Great Mother. Her lineage stretches from Gaul to Rome, to Ireland and to most of what is now the United Kingdom. This Goddess is mentioned in the stories of King Arthur with the possibility of her being in part – Morgan le Fay, The Lady of the Lake. The author suggests that this Goddess may have even older ties that may go as far back as Neolithic Age, as she is closely tied to fertility, the full cycle of life, loss and grief, (Chapter 5.) The second part of this book is about the way one can work with this fascinating Goddess.I must point out, that there are several meditations/rituals throughout this book that are quite thought provoking.The explanation of the Wheel of the Year is thorough, and each section has questions that should be pondered and reflected upon. One of the most beautiful Invocations to the Goddess Modron is on pages 83 and 84.It is a beautiful piece of poetry and when I read it, I could feel the strength in those words. If you are interested in Celtic Deities, especially those who are not that well known, I highly recommend this book. The reference section is also quite extensive and well worth looking into. And again, the meditations are quite beautiful in their own way. So, with that, I wish you a Happy Earth Day, and Happy Beltane.May your celebrations bring an abundance of Joy! Until next time, stay healthy, find your inner bliss, and Happy Reading!!
BELLAS BOOK NOOK
Herb Lore with Glenys
Despite the chill of April, we welcome the lengthening days and the promise of warmth that May brings with it. As I sip my morning coffee, contemplating the sun, I marvel at the question. What does coffee have to do with Beltaine? Sweet woodruff is a low‑growing, herbaceous perennial forming soft, emerald-green mats across the forest floor. Slender square stems carry whorls of 6 - 9 lance shaped leaves, giving the plant a starry, appearance. The leaves start appearing at the beginning of spring and around Beltaine, it produces clusters of small, four‑petaled white flowers that float above the foliage. Its most distinctive quality is its sweet, hay‑and‑vanilla fragrance, which intensifies as the plant dries due to the formation of coumarin. The German name Waldmeister (“master of the forest”) reflects both its woodland habitat and its cultural importance in Central Europe. Historically, sweet woodruff occupied a place in European herbalism. Dried aerial parts were used in teas, poultices, and sachets. There are documented folk uses which include a mild sedative and nervine for restlessness, easing tension and insomnia; support for circulatory systems; digestive and liver ailments and external use for minor wounds and skin conditions. Because of the coumarin content, it was used sparingly. Sweet woodruff was used in the spring to cover the floors in European homes. This would help air the home, stale from winter and help get rid of pests. It was often strewn on church floors to offer protection against pests and evil. Sweet woodruff would also be used to stuff mattresses which helped freshen the sleeping area and help with pest control. In European folk magic, sweet woodruff is deeply associated with peace, protection, and love. Fragrant sachets were placed in the bed to induce a restful sleep and pleasant dreams. It was often used in love charms and fidelity spells. It was often hung in homes to promote harmony and happiness. Sweet woodruff is considered to have both masculine and feminine traits. It is associated with the element of air because of its fragrant nature and ability to bring clarity and calm thoughts. It is also associated with the element of earth because of its ground-cover growth and its woodland roots. It is associated with the planet Mars for its protective nature and Venus because of its association with love. Sweet woodruff is associated with Flora, Freyr as well as Brigid. Its association with sweetness, spring growth, and forest calm made it a trusted ally in domestic and seasonal magic. Sweet woodruff is especially connected to Beltaine (May Day), the festival celebrating fertility, love, and the union of land and life. Its peak fragrance and flowering coincide with early May, making it a natural Beltane ally. Traditional Beltane uses included flavouring May wine (Maibowle), a celebratory infusion symbolizing joy and vitality. It would also be worn in garlands and woven into wreaths. As mentioned above, it would also be strewn on floors to freshen the home or ritual floor. Bringing it into your Beltaine ritual to focus on harmony, attraction, and renewal.
Sweet Woodruff
Stones with Sorcha
Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a lithium-aluminum potassium mineral and is one of the most commonly found members of the Mica family. It can be found crystallized in the form of masses, plates, stacked sheets, and tabular or prismatic crystals. Colouring of this stone ranges from purple to pink, to yellow, to shades of gray, and white. The pink and purple colours of this stone are made up from traces of Manganese impurities within the chemical makeup. Initially discovered in the 19th century by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff, this stone was first named after Lilalite because of its soft radiant colouring but was later renamed to Lepidolite from the Greek word"lepidos",meaning scale, due to its dragon-like texture and"lithos"for stone. Each piece of Lepidolite is believed to have a keeper, either a guardian spirit or angel that is said to have chosen you. You may find your Lepidolite when you least expect it, or it may be gifted to you. The keeper of the stone will guide you in dream state and on the astral. It is known as the"Stone of Transition"or"Grandmother Stone". Element: Water & Air Energy: Receptive Planet: Moon & Neptune Chakra: Crown, Third Eye & Heart Zodiac: Libra Sabbat: Beltane Magical Properties Balance, Calm, Change, Concentration, Emotions, Focus, Harmony, Love, Luck, Manifestation, the Mind (change), Negativity, Nightmares, Order/Organize, Peace, Protection, Psychic Ability, Shyness, Spirituality, Stress Magical Uses When meditating, either hold your Lepidolite or place it upon your altar for rituals of peace, harmony, or spiritual awareness. Light purple and/or white candles and place it on either side of your stone. Light jasmine or lavender incense upon your altar to invoke it's calming and harmonizing energies. You can take up the piece of Lepidolite and place it upon your heart or third eye chakra, using it to ease anxiety and promote emotional balance, or incorporating it into protective grids to create a peaceful environment. It will aid in clearing out all redundant energies, messages and voices from the past that are holding us back from happiness or success. It will attract supportive friends and colleagues and bring about opportunities to succeed. In the home, use Lepidolite to clear the atmosphere after quarrels or tension, or to put pets with behavioural problems at ease and into a more calmed state. Light a pink candle and surround the stones in a circle around it to restore the loving harmony of the home. To promote restful sleep, place a piece of Lepidolite near your headboard, not only to promote sleep, but to drive off nightmares. Some will carry it for good luck as its good for banishing negativity. Healing Uses It can assist in soothing the nervous system, promoting stability of blood flow and calming the heart. Placing a piece of Lepidolite upon different areas of the body is used to locate energy blockages within our body. You will feel a slight resonance at the location of the obstruction. During this time of transition and emergence of the warmer months of the year, Lepidolite helps us to recognize our playful, youthful side. It allows us to recapture our self-love and whimsical attributes, drawing the very same near to us. No longer do we feel the need to stay cooped up in the cozy comforts of home, we want to go on adventures, journey to new and interesting places, discover new treasures, and reignite bonds of friendship and love. Let your hair flow freely in the winds, notice the changes of the season around you, and most importantly, let your love light shine!
Directions ·Clean and rinse the hawthorn flowers thoroughly, removing any dirt or insects ·Place the flowers in a bowl and set aside ·In a clean saucepan, combine sugar and water ·Heat gently, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves ·Increase heat and bring to a light boil for about 5 minutes ·Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly ·Pour the hot syrup over the flowers and stir well ·Lightly crush or bruise the flowers to enhance the floral flavour. Return the mixture to the saucepan ·Add lemon juice and zest ·Reduce heat to the lowest setting and let it gently simmer for about 25 minutes ·Remove from heat, cover, and allow the mixture to infuse ·Up to 1 hour for a mild flavour ·Up to 4 hours for a stronger infusion ·Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth, cheesecloth, fine sieve, or coffee filter into a clean jug to remove solids and zest ·Pour the finished syrup into sterilized glass bottles or jars ·To serve: mix with tonic or soda water, add ice, and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime
The Sabbat Table
This delicious hawthorn flower cordial recipe is a simple and refreshing recipe, and can be used to make a refreshing tonic with a slice of lime or used for herbal inspired cocktails. The cordial can also be added to desserts such as ice cream or fruit to add a floral tone. The flowers are best harvested in the morning when they are at their freshest.
Ingredients 5 cups of blossoms (no green stems) 2 cups sugar 2 cups water 1 large lemon and the grated zes
Hawthorn Cordial
Community Happenings
A Blessing for the Path Between May what was lit at Beltane burn steady. May what was planted find its water and its light. May I be faithful to the small and growing things in the ordinary days, in the long evenings, in the moments when nothing feels sacred and I show up anyway. May devotion and growth become in me what they are in the world this season … intertwined, and alive.
Toronto Pagan Pub Moot "It is an open and friendly social event that meets in person every Third Calendar Monday of every month and virtually every Fourth Calendar Monday of every month. It is open to Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Druids, Asatru, etc of ALL ages and those who are new and would like to learn more, to those who have been walking the path for decades." TPPM dates 2026
WCC Meet & Greet Meet the Wiccan Church of Canada community every Wednesday evening @ 7 pm via Zoom. Open to the public across Canada, as our members across the country sign on for our online Community Get Together. A time to meet new friends, see the faces you have been missing. Whether the conversation is around sharing how you honour your Gods, your magics, or just to soak up the support of community during a tough time, it is a great get together. Come on out and join in the fun! Email lph.wcc@gmail.com for the link
Put a Crown on It! Floral crowns have long symbolized power, beauty, and continuity, often shaped in a circular or horseshoe form to represent eternity and the unbroken cycles of life. Woven from flowers, leaves, and natural materials, they carry meanings of love, fertility, and celebration, with threads that connect cultures across time and place. The tradition of wearing crowns of foliage stretches back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where garlands of myrtle, wool, and seasonal blooms were worn to mark status, devotion, and achievement. Gods and goddesses were frequently depicted crowned with plants sacred to them, while laurel wreaths were bestowed upon victors in battle as symbols of honor and glory. This ancient lineage lives on in the tradition of the May Day crown. Worn during spring festivals, particularly on May 1st, these crowns are crafted from fresh blossoms and greenery to celebrate renewal, fertility, and the full awakening of the earth. Much like their classical predecessors, May Day crowns are both adornment and offering by honoring the abundance of the season, the joy of community, and the turning of the Wheel toward growth, light, and life.
WildFlute on Spotify brings you music inspired by wild spaces, and places. Jaye Marsh offers Classical, Rock and everything in between compiled for your pagan moods.
Supporting pagan arts, music and knowledge
WILDMOOD
LOCAL RESOURCES
Obskurah Bazaar www.obskurahbazaar.com Candles, Tarot & Oracle decks, magical curios, ritual supplies, spiritual self-care items, herbs, books, incense and occult inspired accessories are available online or at our retail shop in Hamilton, Ontario. Our goal is to provide ethically sourced, sustainably made, fair trade and ecofriendly products that support fair wages and working conditions for the makers and honor their traditions.
Looking for ritual or metaphysical supplies for your Craft? Check out our local favourites and support the stores in our communities.
The Occult Shop www.theoccultshop.ca Your one stop shop for quality occult, Pagan, Santeria and Wiccan spiritual supplies & gifts. Specializing in custom incense sticks and cones, herbal blends, bath salts and over 2,000 magical oil blends. All made in house. We also carry a variety of books, candles, herbs & roots, jewellery and much more.
MOON LORE The Flower Moon represents fertility, abundance, and full awakening. Where earlier moons stir life from the earth, this one celebrates its arrival with fields blooming, animals birthing, and energy rising. It’s often seen as a time for: deepening relationships setting intentions for growth honoring beauty, love, and creativity Spiritually, the Flower Moon is sometimes associated with the sacred union of earth and sky, the moment when nature is not just awakening, but thriving. In folklore, a blue moon was thought to be a time when the veil between worlds thinned, similar to traditions around Samhain. It was believed to amplify intuition, making it a powerful moment for divination, spellwork, or seeking hidden truths. Common themes in blue moon magic include: Amplification: especially for goals already in motion. Release + reset: letting go of patterns that have overstayed their cycle. Clarity and revelation: insight, divination, or uncovering hidden truths. Some traditions say wishes made under a blue moon carry extra potency but only if they come from a place of genuine need rather than desire.
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Looking to find out whats going on in your local temple? Perhaps you have questions regarding classes and rituals. Maybe you're a new seeker, or a solitaire looking for company or to share favourite seasonal fare; all are welcome. Our online communities are rich with diverse experience, skills and pagan knowledge. WCC Facebook groups strive to be safe spaces to discuss the Wiccan Craft and explore ideas of paganism in general without politics or proselytizing. Come see what we get up to between the sabbats!